Casualties unknown

1999-11-22: Cessna 172N (N733AH) — Charles W. Blakeney — Defuniak Spgs, FL

Defuniak Spgs, FL, US

On November 22, 1999, a Cessna 172N (registration N733AH) operated by Charles W. Blakeney was involved in an aviation accident near Defuniak Spgs, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Was the pilot's failure to obtain a proper weather briefing resulting in his encounter with fog, his having to make a precautionary landing in a field when the aircraft became low on fuel, and the on ground collision with trees during landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot found his departure and destination airports fogged in, then made a precautionary landing in a field due to low fuel. The aircraft touched down downwind and rolled into brush and trees, resulting in damage.

Pre-Flight and Weather

Before departure, the pilot checked the weather conditions on television. The details of the weather forecast were not specified, but the pilot proceeded with the flight.

Diversion and Return

Upon arriving at the intended destination airport, the pilot found the airport fogged in. He then diverted to another airport, which was also fogged in. Subsequently, he returned to his departure airport, only to find it fogged in as well.

Finding a Break in the Fog

The pilot flew southeast from the departure airport and eventually found a break in the fog. At that point, he was getting low on fuel, leading him to decide to make a precautionary landing in a field.

Landing and Aftermath

During the landing, the pilot touched down downwind and floated over his intended landing point. After touchdown, the aircraft rolled into some brush and trees, and the aircraft was damaged.

No injuries were reported among the occupants. The pilot successfully exited the aircraft after the incident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X20142. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.